Have spent a good part of the afternoon reading through the various threads and keeping myself updated on the latest goings on and I have to say if nothing else, these threads are a fascinating microcosm of the human psyche.
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Nobody, and I mean NOBODY knows exactly what was going through the mind of Allison immediately before her death, and indeed throughout her entire relationship with GBC. This includes medical professionals who have personally treated Allison, while they are in the best position to make assessments I can tell you from personal experience that some people are reluctant to share their most intimate thoughts and feelings, even with health professionals. There are any number of reasons why information may be withheld or less than truthful answered proffered - The patient may believe it is irrelevant, feel ashamed or may even fear involuntary committal. Again, it is my belief that nobody is qualified to answer on Allison's behalf or make suppositions that she would, or would not do a particular act.
Anyway with that aside, I believe that the prosecution is up the proverbial without a paddle and let me preface this by reminding some who may not be aware of my position - I believe that it is likely that Allison has met with foul play and if that is indeed the case, their is a high likelihood that GBC was involved. However on the evidence adduced at trial, I feel it falls well short of the standard required to convict on either charge... Respectfully snipped
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We have now been privy to the full prosecution's case, the evidence, the defence witnesses, the lengthy auto-biographical life story of GBC and the alternative explanation of events by the defence. Anybody is entitled to form an opinion about his guilt or innocence, (especially at this point), just as the jury must. Anyone can have an opinion about what his punishment ought be. If someone wants to remain open to considering possibilities other than GBC killed his wife that does not make that person "unbiased or more open minded or better or worse than anyone else.
About the depression - I also have experience with depression and anxiety and as I've read so have a number here. The point is not that Allison did not have depression nor that she didn't seek and receive treatment for depression. The point is that GBC and his family testified to a description of Allison that was irrelevant (years before) so as to try to make her look suicidal at the time of her death. The fact is her behaviour around the time of her death was a good indication that her depression was well controlled and she was not suicidal. Then there is also no way the defence can present a plausible version of events with Allison committing suicide. Well, actually I don't think they can but let's see in their closing. I'm not offended that the defence would detail Allison's depression, past symptoms, recent symptoms but it is awful to manipulate the fact she has depression to create reasonable doubt and help her murderer to avoid punishment. That offends me deeply!
As you say here "nobody is qualified to answer on Allison's behalf or make suppositions that she would, or would not do a particular act." I agree! How dare GBC or his family speak to this!
Lastly, the prosecution can only put forward the evidence they have. It is pointless to criticise a lack of evidence regarding certain elements of their version of events. They cannot find evidence that wasn't left behind. But with the evidence they do have
fingernail-like scratches on GBC's face that very day
Allison's blood in the back of a new car
Plant material in her hair indicating her hair was on the ground at home
And circumstantial evidence aplenty including financial motives, affair with mistress and mistress applying particular pressure that very day, testimony of the accused that he lies everyday to everybody.
I hope the jury can consider that there is no other reasonable alternative to what happened.
If they find GBC guilty I won't consider them a lynch mob.
